November 1, 2014 - Question: If radio contact
failed completely, how else would air traffic
control communicate with an aircraft?

Answer: If the aircraft is on the ground, there
are several ways to communicate if its radio has
failed. Each tower is equipped with a
light gun and the controller can point this
at an aircraft. By using white, red and green
light signals, the controller provides
instructions to the pilot.

The controller may also contact an airline who
can relay a message if its aircraft is equipped
with ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing
and Reporting System), which is a type of
communication system using technology much like
a text message.

If the aircraft is airborne, there are fewer
options available. Many people may remember the
pilot of the Northwest aircraft that overflew
his destination several years ago. The radio
communications did not work with the aircraft,
and neither did the airline's ACARS (text
message).

If an aircraft is airborne and loses radio
contact with the controller, they are expected
to continue on their last cleared route and
execute an approach to that airport. Controllers
would keep aircraft out of the way of this
aircraft. This happens very rarely.

Q: What recommendations and improvements would
air traffic controllers recommend to ensure an
incident like the missing Malaysia Airlines
flight doesn't happen again?

A: Worldwide coverage of aircraft through
satellites (ADS-B) would go a long way to
potentially help prevent a situation like that
of MH370 in the future.